Ethical Standards of Leadership - Essay Example

The welfare of humanity forms the basis of ethical conduct and seems to override the general perception of society (Finser, 2003). In this regard, a comparative analysis of existing circumstances may influence the decision of an individual when it comes to ethics. In this respect, informed judgment must always be made by an individual to achieve the maximum results on the grounds of ethical expectations. When one is entangled in a situation where a difficult situation has to be made, exceptions to absolute ethical standards are always inevitable (Finser, 2003).

Various incidents justify disregard for absolute ethical standards. The motive may sometime justify action and hence support a deviation from absolute ethical standards. Take the instance where one plot to steal cakes to feed a starving family. An absolute ethical approach would consider this action as wrong but the prevailing circumstance and motives turn out right. In this regard, the situation should be an exception to ethical absolutism.

Another situation where the absolute ethical standard may disregard is where one person is to be killed in an attempt to save several others. For instance, a driver who finds himself in a dilemma situation with a pedestrian to avoid hitting in an incident of brake failure while carrying several people may resort to running over one pedestrian to save the mass. Although killing is wrong, acting in favor of the mass is ethically justified Finser, 2003). The examples and supportive facts discussed show the need to disobey absolute ethical standards in some circumstances.